Horst

A legacy: Horst Rechelbacher

As a salon owner and world-famous hairdresser, Horst was the first to see the ill health effects beauty products had on stylists. With no safe alternatives, he introduced the concepts of plant-based products, aromatherapy and environmental impact into the world of beauty.

"What's good for the Earth is good for us. With advances in plant chemistry, there's simply no reason to make products any other way."
Horst Rechelbacher

1 / of 1

Horst Rechelbacher- History

The father of safe cosmetics

1941-1955

Born November 11 in Klagenkurt, Austria, across the street from a salon, where he first was intrigued by the industry. He began a salon apprenticeship at age 14.

1960'S

His intuitive talent and charisma catapulted him to become a world famous stylist by the age of 20. He started Horst & Friends salons in Minneapolis.

1970'S

Became a global traveler & activist in search of holistic beauty solutions.

1978

Founded Aveda Corporation in Minneapolis after an inspirational trip to India; consequently revolutionized the natural beauty market.

1980'S

Published his first book "Rejuvenation: Wellness Guide for Women and Men". Endorsed the Valdez/Ceres principles of environmental sustainability, making Aveda the first company to sign on.

1960'S

His intuitive talent and charisma catapulted him to become a world famous stylist by the age of 20. He started Horst & Friends salons in Minneapolis.

1970'S

Became a global traveler & activist in search of holistic beauty solutions.

1992

Along with his life partner Kiran Stordalen attended the Earth Summit, regarding climate change, biological diversity, intellectual property rights for indigenous peoples, cultural appropriateness, and environmental destruction.

Created Intelligent Nutrients a multi-tiered direct sales line of nutraceutical supplements.

1995

Named one of the most influential environmentalists in the U.S. by Vanity Fair magazine, and again in 2005.

1997

Sold Aveda to Estee Lauder, maintaining active leadership role in the company through 2003 and maintained Intelligent Nutrients Ownership.

1999

Published "Aveda Rituals: A Daily Guide to Natural Health and Beauty". Produces the experimental film called "Hidden Medicine About Indigenous Peoples and the Environment".

2000

Founded the Horst M. Rechelbacher Foundation.

2004

Awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the NAHA (North American Hairdressers Association). Opened organic café with complete line up of USDA organic foods, juices, nutraceuticals and supplements.

2006

Received the Rachel Carson Award for a Lifetime Commitment to Environmental Ethics & Integrity.

2007

Honored by the Spa & Salon Professional Association as an Industry Innovator & Legend for lifetime contribution to the cosmetology industry.

2008

Cultivated and introduced the first USDA certified organic hair care line via Intelligent Nutrients, the culmination of a lifelong passion for clean, green, safe & organic ingredients that are good for you and the earth.

Published "Minding Your Business: Profits that Restore the Planet". Inducted into the Minnesota Business Hall of Fame, acknowledging his contributions and recognizing him as one of the states' most accomplished business leaders of all time.

2009

Introduced USDA certified organic Skin Care range via Intelligent Nutrients. Awarded by the President of Austria the "Decoration of Honor in Gold Services to the Republic of Austria", an award given to exemplary Austrian business leaders.

2010-2011

Launched Intelligent Nutrients to Hong King, Singapore, UK, Benelux and Canada.

2012

Opened Intelligent Nutrients Flagship retail store at the Mall of America.

2013

Honored by the International Spa Association (ISPA) with the ISPA Visionary Leader Award.

2014

February 15, passed away from complications of pancreatic cancer at the age of 72 in his home in Osceola, Wisconsin.

2015

Kiran Stordalen and Horst Rechelbacher Pediatric Pain, Palliative and Integrative Medicine Clinic opened at Children's Hospital and Clinicals of Minnesota; integrating traditional and holistic treatments for pediatric pain.

2018

Honored by Beauty Changes Lives with the Legacy Award. "Honoring Horst, is a privilege for the Foundation. In doing so we also honor the thousands of industry members who were touched by Horst, by his life's work and his talent".

2019

The Horst M. Rechelbacher Foundation introduced two Beauty Changes Lives scholarships honoring Horst's legacy of consciousness, care and compassion for beauty professionals, guests and the planet.

TODAY

Horst's legacy continues. Intelligent Nutrients is led by his life partner, Kiran Stordalen, and daughter, Nicole Thomas-Rechelbacher, who were instrumental in helping Horst accomplish his dream since day one.

A REVOLUTIONARY & THE FATHER OF SAFE COSMETICS

Horst Rechelbacher's mission of creating next-level certified organic, sustainable, inside-and-out beauty lead to the creation of Intelligent Nutrients - the first USDA certified organic hair care line launched in 2008.